Risperdal is used to treat psychotic disorders and symptoms such as
hallucinations, delusions, and hostility.
Risperidone is sometimes prescribed for other uses;
ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How
should Risperdal be used?
Risperdal comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken
twice a day (every 12 hours). Follow the directions on your prescription
label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any
part you do not understand. Take Risperidone exactly as directed.
Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed
by your doctor. Continue to take Risperidone even if you feel well.
Do not stop taking Risperdal without talking to your doctor, especially
if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor probably
will decrease your dose gradually. Risperidone must be taken regularly
for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.
Before
taking Risperdal, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic
to Risperdal or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially carbamazepine (Tegretol), clozapine
(Clorazil), levodopa (Dopar, Sinemet), medications for high blood
pressure, and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, kidney, or liver
disease; angina, irregular heartbeat, or problems with your blood
pressure; stroke; seizures; blood disorders; depression; or a history
of alcohol or drug abuse.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or
are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Risperdal,
call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor
or dentist that you are taking Risperdal.
you should know that Risperidone may make you drowsy. Do not drive
a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by Risperidone.
plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to
wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Risperdal may
make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is
almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your
regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for
a missed one.
What
side effects can Risperdal cause?
Side effects from Risperdal are common. Tell your doctor if any of
these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
drowsiness
lightheadedness
dizziness
upset stomach
vomiting
constipation
restlessness
headache
weight gain
insomnia
runny nose
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor
immediately:
tremor
fine worm-like tongue movements
unusual face, mouth, or jaw movements
slow or difficult speech
difficulty swallowing
shuffling walk
seizures or convulsions
blurred vision
fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
fever
skin rash
yellowing of the skin or eyes
What storage conditions are needed for Risperdal?
Keep Risperidone in the container it came in, tightly closed, and
out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away
from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away
any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your
pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response
to Risperdal.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask
your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.